Lessons

Coming to college was a brand new experience for me. It was a completely different environment from what I ever experienced. Of course I learned as I went along, picking up pieces of information along the way. However, I wish I had known one major thing before I came to college. That piece of information is the importance of relationships with people and accepting advice when needed. The people here taught me to accept advice and, even, to actually use it. I’ve always been a very stubborn person, I didn’t realize that this was hindering me from improvement. The people I met in my first week of college alone taught me this important lesson. New experiences can open your eyes to a different point of view an the people here has shown me that. I listen more intently now and realize that I can’t always be set in my ways. Change is a vital part of life, you must learn to accept this. If you follow tradition you might be steered down the same path you were going, that path may not be the best thing for you. People and your connections with them really matter. Before, I was too stubborn for my own good and I can admit it now. However, I now listen more and that is what I wish I had known.

You might be surprised to hear that I changed in just 3-4 months here at college. That’s what this place does to you. It makes you wonder what else is out there. The faculty and students here were my catalyst to thinking more about other points of view, thus improving my understanding of a variety of things. The people here are influential, it doesn’t take long to realize that. When you come to Fontbonne, things change for the better. You become what you really want to become and learn that change is important and beneficial for you. In the short months I’ve been here, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned to accept change and I think that’s the most surprising thing about Fontbonne. The influence that it has on you is profound.

I have learned a lot while in college. Some of my new knowledge is class-related, but I have also learned a lot about the world. For this week, I decided to share with you some of the lessons I have learned throughout my time at Fontbonne. Maybe some of them will apply to you!

1. Old habits die hard. Which means it’ll take you at least a semester to quit making your bed daily.
2. If you don’t know why you’re against it, you won’t hold out for long.
3. If class starts before 10, there’d better be coffee involved.
4. Jeans are considered dressing up.
5. Falling is a part of life. You have to learn to stand up, dust yourself off, and furtively glance behind you to see how many people were watching.
6. 5 minutes is all you really need to get ready in the morning.
7. You never know when you’ll meet someone important. So don’t ever leave home without your smile.
8. A package of poptarts does constitute a meal.
9. Cleaning doesn’t take long when your room is the size of a cubicle.
10. If you never leave your room, it will be hard to make friends. Try joining a club where you can meet people with interests similar to your own.
11. You should always get to class 15 minutes early. Or 10 minutes. Or 3 minutes . . .
12. Always lock your doors when you’re leaving your floor (sad but true).
13. No matter how in shape you are, stairs are really tiring.
14. Not everyone likes to plan a month in advance (also sad but true.) Sometimes, you have to play it by ear.
15. 3M hooks are invaluable.
16. Clothing isn’t really dirty unless you spill something on it. And if the stain is visible.
17. If you put your homework off until the last minute (aka an “all-nighter”), you’ll be falling asleep in class.
18. Don’t be afraid to try new things. College is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the world.
19. Lots of stores and restaurants give college discounts. Keep your student ID handy when you go out.
20. Friends make any day better.

Our Writers

Hi everyone! My name is Courtney and I am a Junior studying dietetics here at Fontbonne . I am hoping to eventually work in pediatrics or with athletes. I am currently Secretary of SAFCS. I love running, walking my dogs, cheering on the Cardinals, and finding new adventures around St. Louis. I can't wait to share my adventures with you!

I graduated from Fontbonne in 2012 with a BA in Human Service and am currently a grad student once again at Fontbonne studying for my MS in Instructional Design & Technology (IDT). I'm a mother of 2 wonderful young men ages 17 years & 15 years old. I love working as an independent contracting sign language interpreter/job coach and I look forward to embarking on my new journey within the career field of IDT.

Hello everyone, I am Quortni (pronounced like Courtney). I am a Junior at Fontbonne and also a transfer student from Indiana State University. This is my second semester at Fontbonne and although I attended ISU for almost 3 years, I was born and raised here in Saint Louis, Mo. I am a Psychology major and a Biology minor, and hoping to pursue a career in research as well as become a practicing Art Therapist. I am pretty outgoing and open to making new friends and meeting new people, so I am VERY excited to be blogging for the University so stay tuned!!! :)